The NFL's first May draft provided a little more time to critique the prospects and try to figure out who is going where and when.

No player has been more scrutinized than Clowney, the defensive end from South Carolina whose every move — on and off the field — has been analyzed since he ended his sophomore season with a helmet-removing hit against Michigan.

"I've been tired of it. I wish the draft was two or three weeks ago," Clowney said Wednesday after playing flag football with grammar-school kids at the NFL's Play 60 festival at a park on the west side of Manhattan.

The Houston Texans have the first pick, and Clowney could be their guy. Or maybe they'll take a quarterback, such as Johnny Manziel. Or maybe they'll trade the pick.

The NFL has given fans two extra weeks to ponder these questions. The draft is usually held in April, but some scheduling conflicts at Radio City Music Hall caused the NFL to push it back. Commissioner Roger Goodell said that it's too soon to say whether May drafts are here to stay.

This year's draft finally gets underway Thursday night, Day 1 of the three-day, made-for-TV marathon. Rounds 2 and 3 are Friday night. It concludes with four rounds Saturday, when there will likely be more intrigue than usual. Missouri linebacker Michael Sam, who made public that he is gay in February, is projected to be a possible late-round selection. The NFL has never had an openly gay player. Sam is trying to be the first, though he might have to get there as an undrafted free agent.

But first, the Texans are on the clock. Will they take Clowney?

"Man, I don't know," the 266-pound pass rusher said. "Do you know?"

Clowney looked NFL-ready after a spectacular sophomore season, when he had 13 sacks and was Southeastern Conference defensive player of the year. NFL rules state otherwise. Players must be three years removed from high school to be draft eligible.

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Clowney's junior season fell short of crazy expectations. He had some injuries. Opponents game-planned to neutralize him. His play was spotty, and his work ethic was questioned after he suddenly went to his coach and pulled himself from a game.

"It's been crazy, everybody telling when you're going to go in the draft," he said. "What your weakness is. What your strength is. A lot of criticism against all the players. It's just something you got to take on."

Manziel is short by NFL quarterback standards, just under 6-foot. Still, his play was so sensational he could end up as a top-five pick.

"I don't care if I'm No. 1 or 200, I just want to play," Manziel said.

It is doubtful Manziel will have to wait that long. He could be the first quarterback off the board.

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